Chapter 108:
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For an entire month, Meng Shuyou’s life was a straight line between three points: dormitory, classroom, and cafeteria. Time was tight; she had to complete after-class homework while seeking inspiration and preparing for the competition.
The first round was online submission, eliminating eighty-five percent from over two hundred artworks, leaving more than thirty people to participate in the on-site competition. Only the top five artworks had the opportunity to be exposed.
As expected, Meng Shuyou smoothly advanced to the second round and continued competing half a month later.
She spent almost every day in the art studio, studying oil painting styles and techniques more suited to herself.
But no matter how busy she was, she didn’t forget to send messages or make telephone calls to Pei Yuzhou.
Afraid of disturbing his work, Meng Shuyou usually contacted him at night.
“Painting again?” His voice came from the receiver.
Meng Shuyou set her mobile phone aside, dipped the palette knife in paint, spread it on the canvas to create texture, “Yeah, the competition is next week. I’m a bit nervous.”
Pei Yuzhou stood on the balcony blowing in the wind, having just showered and wearing only a bathrobe with the collar casually open, “What’s there to be nervous about? One competition doesn’t mean anything.”
“I know, but this opportunity is really rare.”
Many people wanted to make a name for themselves in this competition. For newcomers, the opportunity was once-in-a-lifetime, which also meant the competition was intense.
“Sitting for so long every day, don’t you want your waist anymore?”
Her waist had indeed been uncomfortable these past few days. She set down what she was holding and stood up slowly, “I’ll pay attention.”
“Find time to get a massage.”
Meng Shuyou was about to say okay when she heard him add: “I don’t want you shouting about waist pain after just a couple moves next time.”
“I didn’t.” She blushed and retorted, “You’re the one who’s always so forceful every time.”
Pei Yuzhou chuckled lightly, “Wasn’t it you who told me to go harder?”
“I…” Certain images flashed through Meng Shuyou’s mind, her ears burning, “I’m not talking to you anymore.”
Who would discuss this with him.
Pei Yuzhou’s adam’s apple bobbed, half instructing and half threatening, “Take care of yourself. If you’ve lost weight when we meet next time, I’ll deal with you.”
Meng Shuyou felt a bit guilty, “When are you coming to Chicago?”
She would try hard to gain some weight before he arrived.
“Not sure.” Pei Yuzhou turned and went back to the room.
The company had been very busy lately, and he had to go on a business trip in a couple days to inspect a new project.
Meng Shuyou rubbed her waist, “Oh, okay.”
“Go to sleep early. Hanging up.”
“Mm.”
–
In the blink of an eye, it was late October. Chicago’s temperature had already dropped to thirteen or fourteen degrees, with a big difference between morning and evening.
In deep autumn, the school’s maple forest was a sea of orange-red, covering the ground, fiery and profound.
The day of the competition was a Saturday. Meng Shuyou got up very early, packed her things, and left at seven-thirty.
She brought the set of paint and brush that Pei Yuzhou had given her before.
Mia and Winnie said they would accompany her to cheer her on. Meng Shuyou thought they wouldn’t get up, but unexpectedly saw them standing at the elevator entrance yawning.
“You guys really insist on seeing me off?”
Winnie perked up, “Of course. I set five alarm clocks to drag myself out of bed.”
Mia stared at Meng Shuyou’s clothes, spotting it at a glance, “Baby, isn’t this coat the latest runway piece from Milan Fashion Week? It’s not even on sale yet. How do you already have it on?”
Winnie didn’t even need to guess, “Definitely Mister Pei’s spending power.”
Meng Shuyou nodded, “I have a lot more clothes there. If you like any, feel free to pick them out later.”
Mia waved her hand with a laugh: “Forget it. Clothes from Mister Pei—we won’t intrude.”
Meng Shuyou reached to press the elevator button, “No problem. I can’t wear them all.”
Winnie made a bitter face, “Have you considered that your clothes—I can’t fit into them, wuwuwu.”
Meng Shuyou: “The coat is quite loose. You can wear it. We’re not that different.”
“You’re so good at comforting me.” Winnie knew her own limits, “My weight is already in the three digits. You’re at least ten pounds lighter than me.”
Mia put her hand on her shoulder, “That’s normal weight. It’s Yaoyao who’s too skinny.”
Meng Shuyou didn’t want that either, “I’m already trying to gain a little weight.”
If her weight didn’t go up, Mister Pei would deal with her next time.
Winnie sighed, “If only I could share some of my flesh with you two.”
Mia rejected outright, “Don’t share with me. Just give it to Yaoyao.”
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[PS: Side story “73”, this is a supplement to the previous one.]
